Considering how inevitable the monthly menstrual cycle is and how difficult it could sometimes get, it is necessary to come up with solutions to tackle these menstrual concerns. Here’s a quick guide to some common difficulties around menstruation:

• Cramps

Cramps are the most dreaded but most common consequence during periods. The vehement squirming of your insides as if someone was tightening a knot can be something to not look forward to. A warm water compress or using relaxing balms that contain ingredients like nilgiri or eucalyptus and camphor can have soothing effects. Apply any of these balms on your lower abdomen for best results. You can also indulge in some relaxing Yoga and exercise routines to ward off the pain. Sipping  Kapiva’s Tulsi Mulethi or Turmeric Mulethi Green Tea every morning can be very effective in soothing menstrual cramps. If this does not help in alleviating the pain, try popping a relevant pain-killer.

• PMS

Most women have been accused of being temperamental/moody owing to their menstrual cycles and all these mood swings are clubbed under one, wide umbrella of ‘PMS’. Pre-menstrual Syndrome or PMS is generally an experience of mood swings, bloating, backache, headache and many other problems. These are considered quite normal, however they can be quite debilitating sometimes. Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine in this phase as it might make the symptoms more severe. Try making a healthy, cleansing diet an alternative as it will help to fortify your system. Yoga breathing exercise have been found to be effective in dealing with PMS symptoms.

• Heavy Bleeding

A heavy flowing period can be, literally as well as figuratively, draining. It generally happens to women with uterine blood clots and the periods last for more than a week in this condition. Birth control pills or infection can sometimes be the reason for this heavy flow. It is necessary to keep your iron content at normal levels during this span as inability to do so might lead to anemia and weakness. Consume foods rich in iron like dates, carrots or beetroots to maintain your health. Make sure you combine the iron rich foods with Vitamin C supplements as well, as that will help in the efficient absorption of iron in the bloodstream. In case of overflowing periods, it would be advisable to consult a doctor to ascertain the exact cause and treatment for the same. Home solutions could be helpful too like consuming the banana flower or Amla Juice as they are high on Vitamin C.

• Irregular Periods

This generally refers to no fixed pattern in the general flow of blood during your cycle. This may be a consequence of hormonal imbalance or when a woman does not meet the optimal weight requirement, that is, if she is either underweight or obese. Stress can be a major factor affecting the regularity of your chums. Avoid consuming foods high in fat content or processed food as they can have damaging results on your body thereby affecting regular menstrual flow. Grind a few radish seeds and consume this powder with buttermilk on a daily basis or eat a sprig of parsley daily for delayed periods. Unripe or raw papaya contains an enzyme called papain which ensures a regular menstrual flow and is recommended to women with delayed periods due to anxiety or stress. If a condition like this is recurrent, it is always recommended that you carry extra sanitary napkins/tampons and underwear at all times to avoid mishaps or visit your Ob/Gyn.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/Disorder (PCOS/PCOD)

This issue does not necessarily categorize as a menstrual difficulty however, one of its symptoms involves irregular periods. PCOS can wreak havoc in your system. But what exactly is PCOS? It is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that causes an excess in the hormone androgen in the body, along with ovulatory dysfunctions and presence of cysts in one or both ovaries. Being a lifestyle difficulty, it is essential to maintain a strict diet plan as that could be one deciding factor in the treatment of this syndrome. A healthy diet coupled with frequent and adequate exercise is the best way to tackle this problem. Avoid refined carbs and include more whole grains like ragi, oats and jowar in your diet. Fibrous fruits are also effective in this condition like bananas, chikoos, grapes or custard apples. A few home remedies include soaking fenugreek seeds water for about 6-8 hours and consuming one tablespoon of these seeds before every meal of the day with a little honey or mixing lemon with honey and lukewarm and drinking it on an empty stomach.